- Published: December 29, 2021
- Updated: December 29, 2021
- Level: Masters
- Language: English
- Downloads: 1
Instructions Why the Middle East is Important to Obama Who would not remember the 9/11 attack of Iraq on twin towers of America? Or the numerous terrorism acts of Al Qaeda and other rebellious groups in Middle East and its neighboring countries? Both worth being penned in history books for they resulted to the lost million lives and to the wavering security and peace in the countries involved. In these instances, however, the United States has no small role. Its involvement with establishing peace in Middle East is geared towards attaining power for itself.
As an advocate of and peace through dialogue and partnerships, Obama sees Israel as a way to unhide the terroristic pursuits of rebels in Middle East. This became evident in 2007 when a plutonium-producing reactor of Syria in cooperation with North Korea, was discovered. Israel released photographic evidence of the said partnership leading to the raid of the nuclear reactor in Deir ez-Zor region and the dismissal of a terrorism attempt (Blackwill and Slocombe).
Israel is skillful in making aerial systems, armored vehicle protection, and short-range rockets defenses, and robotics. It has been known as a world leader when it comes to developing devices and techniques for force protection (Blackwill and Slocombe). Because of the unifying goal of both countries to eliminate terrorism and nuclear proliferation, Israel shares its assets to United States which on the other hand, finances Israel’s projects and endeavors. In this case, the role of Obama’s partnership with the Israelis is to further develop missiles which would help him protect his forces and allies and span its influence over Europe, Middle East, and Persian Gulf (Blackwill and Slocombe). In all of these involvements, Obama does not only interestingly gain the assets of Israel but a possible underlying reason for this involvement is for him to expand its power over Middle East. This is evident in Michael Oren’s book, “ Power, Faith, and Fantasy”. He stated,
Power is the pursuit of America’s interest in the Middle East through the use of military, economic, and diplomatic means (Marcus).
As an explanation to this, Oren mentioned about Jefferson and the May 1787 Articles of Confederation. In the meeting that followed, Americans felt a great threat from the kingdoms of Middle East countries. They stated,
existential dangers posed by these Middle Eastern kingdoms… if we do not create a federal government, create a navy, we will be destroyed as a nation (Oren).
As a result of this, America waged wars all intended for Middle East. By imposing wars and force, America gained power over its greatest enemy – the Middle East countries and thus worry less about this threat (Oren). United States’ gaining of power and influence becomes more convincing when Obama expressed his interest in the oil industry of Middle East in his speech in 2001. He said,
So we will work with the EU to facilitate more trade within the region, build on existing agreements to promote integration with US and European markets, and open the door for those countries who adopt high standards of reform and trade liberalisation to construct a regional trade arrangement (Marcus).
Controlling Middle East would give United States the chance to assure peace and security. It would also be able to increase its diplomatic relations by engaging on the oil industry and economy of the Middle East countries. Thus, Middle East is really important to Obama.
Works Cited
Blackwill, Robert D., and Slocombe, Walter B. “ Israel: A true ally in the Middle East.” 31 Oct.
2011. Web. 27 Nov. 2012.
Marcus, Jonathan. “ Obama Speech in Middle East in Full with Analysis.” 19 May 2011. Web.
27 Nov. 2012.
Oren, Michael B., and Myers, Joanne J. “ Power, Faith, and Fantasy: America in the
Middle East, 1776 to the Present.” 18 Jan. 2007. Web. 27 Nov. 2012